§ 44. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is to be taken to meet the requirements of the South-East Northumberland Hospital Group for authorisation by him of further facilities in answer to the letter sent by the hon. Member for Tynemouth.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyThe Newcastle Regional Hospital Board accepts that a new district general hospital is needed for South-East Northumberland but, as I have explained to the hon. Lady in reply to her letter, this is not one of its first priorities.